ENGLISH

Ardvreck has English at the heart of its curriculum. The ability to communicate effectively, both in the spoken and written word is vital to a child’s education and his or her contribution to society.

Our English specialists aim to enthuse children about language and literature and much emphasis is placed on creating a balance using a variety of linguistic, creative, technical, literary, oral and written skills.

English Curriculum

English is taught in form groups up to and including Form 4 with the curriculum based on both the National Literacy Strategy and the Curriculum for Excellence. Lessons are spent consolidating skills in the basics of reading, spelling, grammar and handwriting in a well-resourced and stimulating environment. In Forms 5 and 6, English is taught by subject specialists. Ardvreck is fortunate to have an excellent range of resources and children will be exposed to a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama during their time at the school. Our aim is to nurture a love of reading coupled with the ability to express themselves eloquently. Each form has a daily reading class in which individual children’s reading is monitored. In Forms 5 and 6, children are prepared for senior school through Common Entrance or Scholarship pathways. Learning Support is offered both inside and outside the classroom to those who require it. The department organises a range of excellent events including a Book Fayre and a Readathon and competitions in poetry, non-fiction and creative writing and recitation.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is fundamental to our understanding of the world, as it is used across the globe to communicate and analyse information essential to everyday life. Far more than being just about numbers, it is a creative subject; it allows us to explore new ideas, either in finding solutions to pre-existing problems, or in discovering, investigating, reasoning, justifying and proving new concepts.

At Ardvreck, we strive to ensure your child not only secures essential numerical skills, but also gains an appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics.

Maths Curriculum

Through the curriculum at Ardvreck, we aim to foster enjoyment and curiosity in mathematics.Pupils are encouraged to develop a secure understanding of numeracy and confidence in their ability to calculate. Small class sizes and Learning Support ensure that all pupils receive the help they need to obtain important skills. Pupils also have access to interactive online resources to practise their recall and fluency. At all ages, practical tasks and investigations provide opportunities to problem solve and apply logical reasoning. Challenge is provided in the form of rich tasks that require pupils to think more deeply and critically about the mathematics they are undertaking. National challenges, such as the Junior Maths Challenge, also provide opportunities for pupils to excel in the subject. Mathematics is an interconnected subject and pupils will build upon their understanding year on year. Pupils are prepared for whatever route they choose upon leaving Ardvreck and supported in preparations for Common Entrance examinations or Scholarships.

SCIENCE

Ardvreck School is rightly proud of its Science department, with a recently refurbished, fully equipped Science lab and specialist Science teachers in every Science lesson. Many of the world’s current issues will need to be addressed by well educated scientists in the very near future.

With that in mind, it is fitting that Science plays a central part in the curriculum at Ardvreck School. Students receive up to 4 hours of Science lessons each week from specialist Science teachers. This in depth and high quality teaching and learning leads every student to explore and understand core scientific principals.

Science Curriculum

Whilst all pupils are prepared for their respective entrance examinations we consider it equally important to address important scientific issues and prepare and equip pupils with skills that will keep them going for the rest of their lives. Everyone has the opportunity to look further at areas that excite and inspire each individual as, at the heart of any outstanding Science lesson, is the need to question and learn to explain unknown phenomena. At Ardvreck we encourage children to develop their curiosity with a number of different projects. Each year, two year groups complete extensive Science fair projects to develop their inquisitivity and independent research skills, judged by real scientists!

Practical work and real world experience is key to learning in Science; alongside our laboratory provision we are lucky to have extensive grounds with a variety of natural habitats. Getting outside and exploring the local fauna and flora is essential to help us discover more about nature and the world around us.

In every school, Science teachers always feel so lucky to teach their subject. Science captivates the imagination of everyone who first experiences the “magic” of the subject. Our role as Science teachers is to lift the veil of sorcery and enable all our pupils to understand what’s really taking place whilst still maintaining that joy and wonder!

French Curriculum

We work hard to prepare our children to the highest standard as they work towards the examinations at the end of their Ardvreck journey. We use a quality blend of our own resources and the Tricolore 5th Edition coursebook and its online resource, Kerboodle, to teach the four skills of language learning: listening; speaking; reading and writing. We cover a wide range of topics in the classroom based on the ISEB syllabus.

The children are taught in their form groups until the age of 11 and, in the final two years, they are split into Common Entrance and Scholarship classes. We use the target language as much as possible and we always strive to improve our teaching techniques using methods including: singing; acting; playing games; ICT; group and individual work and the whiteboard. Grammar and vocabulary learning are important and there is regular testing throughout the academic year with examinations twice per annum for the top two year groups and in the Summer term for everyone.

The children have various opportunities throughout their education at Ardvreck to experience the French language and culture in different circumstances and with French speakers. Little Ardvreck has a French Breakfast, there is a European Day of Languages Assembly and Quiz, the whole school French Day and, in the penultimate year, the children go to Château de la Baudonnière for a week’s immersion in the language doing fun activities with French instructors. The fantastic French fun continues throughout the language learning experience at Ardvreck!

FRENCH

French is taught in a lively and fun environment at Ardvreck. We aim to foster a love and enjoyment of language learning and a different culture, using a variety of teaching techniques. Enjoyment is an important part of the learning process whilst aiming for excellent results as our pupils move on from Ardvreck, whatever the level.

GEOGRAPHY

‘Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?’
Michael Palin 2007

At Ardvreck, the study of Geography aims to help children understand more about the World around them, to foster a curiosity for the pursuit of knowledge and to know more about the impact humans have on our precious planet. In lessons, we aim to draw on the knowledge and experiences of both the teachers and the children and to develop the children’s thinking and reflective skills. From this, they should be able to draw their own informed decisions on a variety of topical and challenging issues affecting us all today.

Geography Curriculum

In Forms 1 & 2, children learn about basic map work, the location of the continents, oceans and other major geographical features as well as designing their own maps. They then study ‘A Fragile Planet’, looking at the effect of man on the World before finishing with a study of natural hazards such as volcanoes, tropical storms and earthquakes.

In Form 3, the children learn about how settlements come to grow in particular places, why some have become so large, and what issues this can bring. They also learn about areas of extreme climate (polar regions and hot deserts) before finishing the year with a case study of a particular country.

Form 4 involves the study of mountains, how they form, where they are located and who uses them. We then look at Ordnance Survey map work and a wider look at important places and features in the World and where they can be found. We finish the year by looking at coasts.

Form 5 is the beginning of the Common Entrance syllabus and we look in depth at weather and climate, earthquakes and volcanoes and finish the year by looking at rivers in preparation for a fieldwork project at the start of Form 6.

Form 6 will begin with a fieldwork project before looking at coasts, population and settlement, and completing the year with a study of transport and industry and recap on all topics covered throughout Forms 5 and 6 in preparation for the CE.

Scholars will learn the same syllabus but in more depth in preparation for their entrance examinations. They will complete their fieldwork project in the summer term of Form 6.

HISTORY

The History syllabus aims to capture the interest of children and to develop vital intellectual skills which can be applied in a wider context. We focus mainly on British History. However, we look closely at the American and French Revolutions. Pupils are encouraged to understand that history is not an exact science. The success of individual leaders is open to interpretation. Children from an early age are encouraged to evaluate a wide variety of source materials. Crucially the study of history allows children to question and to draw their own well-qualified conclusions.

History is the study of human nature, and children learn that history repeats itself to varying degrees. Pupils are encouraged to identify why revolutions and wars occur. Pupils are given the opportunity to look at historical documents, newspaper articles and propaganda posters. We do not rely on textbooks. However, pupils are encouraged to evaluate information and write structured essays. They should be proficient at this by the time they go on to senior school.

History Curriculum

Forms One and Two study the Stone Age and then the Bronze Age. They then look at Ancient Egypt, The Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. (The Ancient Greeks and Romans are covered by the Classics department).

Form Three investigate Medieval Scotland. Pupils are encouraged to draw comparisons with the present day. They then study the Scottish Wars of Independence and focus on William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. This involves a visit to the Bannockburn Heritage centre) We then take a huge chronological jump and study the Home Front during the Second World War. Pupils are also taught about the Holocaust through Anne Frank’s diary.

Form Four focus on the concepts of change and revolutions. This prepares children for scholarship examinations. We study the Reformation and how it affected Tudor England. We also look at the life of Mary Queen of Scots and the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley. We then study the Spanish Armada. We then go on to investigate the American and French Revolutions in great depth.

Form Five start the ISEB Common Entrance Syllabus. We look at the Norman Conquest, The murder of Rufus, The murder of Becket, the Crusades, King John and the signing of the Magna Carta.

Form Six focus on The Black Death, The Peasants Revolt, The Hundred Years War. The Scholarship class will look at the reign of Henry VII. Some pupils will learn to answer essay questions which reflect on broader issues such as why we study history and does history repeat itself.

LATIN

From legal and scientific terminology, to Harry Potter and our very own school motto, “Honor praemium virtutis” (“Honour is the reward of virtue”), we are surrounded by Latin. It forms the basis of over 60% of the English we use every day, and underpins French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

Studying Latin not only makes learning other languages easier, but also helps children to improve their mental discipline and precision – transferrable skills for every subject.

The study of Roman culture, history, literature and myths enriches the pupils’ acquisition of the language, and gives them a well-rounded understanding of the origin of much of our own cultural heritage. Visits to local Roman sites, plays, games, model-making and other creative activities complement the rigorous academic work.

Latin Curriculum

Starting from Form 4, the syllabus broadly follows the popular Cambridge Latin course, with its progressive structure, engaging narratives and interesting characters, but is supplemented by a variety of online resources and ad hoc learning materials, specifically developed to provide variety and to cater for all abilities.

Homework, in varying forms, will be set on a weekly basis.

Regular revision sessions and practice tests are held in preparation for Common Entrance and Scholarship. All pupils also have the option of taking non-competitive graded tests accredited by the University of Cambridge School of Classics Project. Success in these is rewarded in the form of a certificate, in recognition of their learning achievements.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The aim of the department is to give every pupil a solid grounding in Religious Studies, to develop their ability to think empathetically towards people of different cultures and beliefs and to foster in the pupils an enjoyment and positive attitude towards Religious Studies. Pupils learn about the three principal world faiths which are Christianity, Judaism and Islam, with some references to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. However, further up the school we follow the ISEB syllabus and focus mainly on the Christian Old and New Testaments.

By the time a pupil reaches 13 years of age they should have an understanding of Social Justice, Environmental issues, Prejudice and Discrimination, Racism, Crime and Punishment, Scientific belief and Religion. This will enable pupils to understand the world around them. They will be ready to participate fully in philosophical discussions about whether science disproves God. They will be able to form well qualified and balanced opinions about the world around them.

Religious Studies Curriculum

Pupils are encouraged to consider the impact of religious beliefs and value systems on the lives of different children, women and men. They are also encouraged to consider and acknowledge the basis of their own beliefs, values and assumptions, and to develop respect and tolerance for the beliefs and cultures of others. We seek to enable pupils to develop an awareness of some of the fundamental questions about life and death raised by human experience and how religions may relate to them.

MUSIC

Studying music is far more than learning how to sing or play an instrument; it teaches children about other cultures, develops analytical and evaluative listening skills and will help foster a lifelong love of an art form that surrounds us all, on a daily basis.

The aim of the music department at Ardvreck is to develop a culture of musical excellence, with inclusion at its core. All children have the capacity to develop their musical skills, whether that be playing an instrument to a very high standard or developing their ensemble skills in class performances. Participation in music at Ardvreck is actively encouraged!

Music Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses the three main disciplines of music education: performing; composing and appraising. Children will experience a wide variety of musical styles and cultures, encompassing everything from African drumming through to Beethoven, Miles Davis and David Bowie!

We are very lucky to have a modern, purpose-built music school with three teaching rooms and seven practice rooms, many of which are used by our dedicated band of instrumental teachers. Any pupil may take individual lessons on an orchestral instrument as well as bagpipes, pipe band drums , drumkit, guitar, piano or voice. The work of the visiting instructors is vital and compliments the work that takes place in the classroom. The Department also makes regular presentations for external exams (both Associated Board and Trinity/Guildhall.)

The Department’s extensive extra-curricular programme plays an important part in the musical development of the pupils adding further understanding and enjoyment as well as confidence through performance. As well as a large orchestra there are several ensembles which meet weekly with a wide variety of music and styles including the Pipe Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Band and Ceilidh Band. Singing is a very important part of Ardvreck life. The whole school sings at assembly, at congo and at the Carol service. There are also two large, enthusiastic and successful choirs of boys and girls.

ARTS

Art and Design at Ardvreck aims to stimulate creativity and fire up the imagination in pupils from Form 1 through to Form 6.

It must not be forgotten that the basic law of children’s creativity is that its value lies not in its result, not in the product of creation, but in the process itself.

While strong observational skills are absolutely paramount, developing an understanding of the visual elements and exploring and experiencing a range of materials, processes and techniques are also vitally important to the skills each child will acquire and build on whilst here.

Arts Curriculum

Creating both 2D and 3D work, individually and in groups, children learn about the design process and how to problem solve effectively, as well as expressing their personal thoughts and ideas.

Made aware of artists from past and present, through visits to exhibitions and galleries, as well as during class, the pupils also have the luxury of working outside, inspired by our beautiful surroundings.

Art at Ardvreck makes learning relevant and rewarding. A number of children in Form 6 also successfully move on to their next school with Art of a Scholarship level.

DIGITAL SCIENCE

At Ardvreck ICT supports all areas of the curriculum in terms of research and the output of work. It will also be used to develop new skills ranging from commonplace applications to more specialised software such as programming and coding.

In the sixth form the children learn high-end word processing skills to produce a professional looking document such as a Curriculum Vitae or Fieldwork Enquiry. They learn to type with the aim of being able to touch type by the time they leave to go to their senior schools.

FOREST SCHOOL

Our qualified Forest School leader enables extensive use to be made of our beautiful grounds, encouraging learning through a variety of interesting and challenging activities for Forms 1 and 2 based on problem solving skills, working together, creative thinking and discovering more about the local environment.

Wellies, gloves, hats and waterproof trousers continue to be an essential part of the Ardvreck uniform as the Forest School sessions take place whatever the weather! Activities including nature walks, campfires and gardening as well as learning to make a Tippy Tap, knot tying, lashing skills, wildflower identification and safe use of Laplander saws.

ENGLISH

Ardvreck has English at the heart of its curriculum. The ability to communicate effectively, both in the spoken and written word is vital to a child’s education and his or her contribution to society.

Our English specialists aim to enthuse children about language and literature and much emphasis is placed on creating a balance using a variety of linguistic, creative, technical, literary, oral and written skills.

MATHS

Mathematics is fundamental to our understanding of the world, as it is used across the globe to communicate and analyse information essential to everyday life.

Far more than being just about numbers, it is a creative subject; it allows us to explore new ideas, either in finding solutions to pre-existing problems, or in discovering, investigating, reasoning, justifying and proving new concepts. At Ardvreck, we strive to ensure your child not only secures essential numerical skills, but also gains an appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics.

SCIENCE

Ardvreck School is rightly proud of its Science department, with a recently refurbished, fully equipped Science lab and specialist Science teachers in every Science lesson. Many of the world’s current issues will need to be addressed by well educated scientists in the very near future.

With that in mind, it is fitting that Science plays a central part in the curriculum at Ardvreck School. Students receive up to 4 hours of Science lessons each week from specialist Science teachers. This in depth and high quality teaching and learning leads every student to explore and understand core scientific principals.

FRENCH

French is taught in a lively and fun environment at Ardvreck. We aim to foster a love and enjoyment of language learning and a different culture, using a variety of teaching techniques. Enjoyment is an important part of the learning process whilst aiming for excellent results as our pupils move on from Ardvreck, whatever the level.

GEOGRAPHY

‘Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?’Michael Palin 2007

At Ardvreck, the study of Geography aims to help children understand more about the World around them, to foster a curiosity for the pursuit of knowledge and to know more about the impact humans have on our precious planet. In lessons, we aim to draw on the knowledge and experiences of both the teachers and the children and to develop the children’s thinking and reflective skills. From this, they should be able to draw their own informed decisions on a variety of topical and challenging issues affecting us all today.

HISTORY

The History syllabus aims to capture the interest of children and to develop vital intellectual skills which can be applied in a wider context. We focus mainly on British History. However, we look closely at the American and French Revolutions. Pupils are encouraged to understand that history is not an exact science. The success of individual leaders is open to interpretation. Children from an early age are encouraged to evaluate a wide variety of source materials. Crucially the study of history allows children to question and to draw their own well-qualified conclusions.

History is the study of human nature, and children learn that history repeats itself to varying degrees. Pupils are encouraged to identify why revolutions and wars occur. Pupils are given the opportunity to look at historical documents, newspaper articles and propaganda posters. We do not rely on textbooks. However, pupils are encouraged to evaluate information and write structured essays. They should be proficient at this by the time they go on to senior school.

LATIN

From legal and scientific terminology, to Harry Potter and our very own school motto, “Honor praemium virtutis” (“Honour is the reward of virtue”), we are surrounded by Latin. It forms the basis of over 60% of the English we use every day, and underpins French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Studying Latin not only makes learning other languages easier, but also helps children to improve their mental discipline and precision – transferrable skills for every subject.

The study of Roman culture, history, literature and myths enriches the pupils’ acquisition of the language, and gives them a well-rounded understanding of the origin of much of our own cultural heritage. Visits to local Roman sites, plays, games, model-making and other creative activities complement the rigorous academic work.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The aim of the department is to give every pupil a solid grounding in Religious Studies, to develop their ability to think empathetically towards people of different cultures and beliefs and to foster in the pupils an enjoyment and positive attitude towards Religious Studies. Pupils learn about the three principal world faiths which are Christianity, Judaism and Islam, with some references to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. However, further up the school we follow the ISEB syllabus and focus mainly on the Christian Old and New Testaments.

By the time a pupil reaches 13 years of age they should have an understanding of Social Justice, Environmental issues, Prejudice and Discrimination, Racism, Crime and Punishment, Scientific belief and Religion. This will enable pupils to understand the world around them. They will be ready to participate fully in philosophical discussions about whether science disproves God. They will be able to form well qualified and balanced opinions about the world around them.

MUSIC

Studying music is far more than learning how to sing or play an instrument; it teaches children about other cultures, develops analytical and evaluative listening skills and will help foster a lifelong love of an art form that surrounds us all, on a daily basis.

The aim of the music department at Ardvreck is to develop a culture of musical excellence, with inclusion at its core. All children have the capacity to develop their musical skills, whether that be playing an instrument to a very high standard or developing their ensemble skills in class performances. Participation in music at Ardvreck is actively encouraged!

ARTS

Art and Design at Ardvreck aims to stimulate creativity and fire up the imagination in pupils from Form 1 through to Form 6.

It must not be forgotten that the basic law of children’s creativity is that its value lies not in its result, not in the product of creation, but in the process itself.

While strong observational skills are absolutely paramount, developing an understanding of the visual elements and exploring and experiencing a range of materials, processes and techniques are also vitally important to the skills each child will acquire and build on whilst here.

DIGITAL SCIENCE

At Ardvreck ICT supports all areas of the curriculum in terms of research and the output of work. It will also be used to develop new skills ranging from commonplace applications to more specialised software such as programming and coding.

In the sixth form the children learn high-end word processing skills to produce a professional looking document such as a Curriculum Vitae or Fieldwork Enquiry. They learn to type with the aim of being able to touch type by the time they leave to go to their senior schools.

FOREST SCHOOL

Our qualified Forest School leader enables extensive use to be made of our beautiful grounds, encouraging learning through a variety of interesting and challenging activities for Forms 1 and 2 based on problem solving skills, working together, creative thinking and discovering more about the local environment.

Wellies, gloves, hats and waterproof trousers continue to be an essential part of the Ardvreck uniform as the Forest School sessions take place whatever the weather! Activities including nature walks, campfires and gardening as well as learning to make a Tippy Tap, knot tying, lashing skills, wildflower identification and safe use of Laplander saws.